"How to Help Players Succeed"

As you know, basketball is a gameof learned skills, athleticism and talent combined with discipline, creativity, respect for others, team work, healthy contagious attitudes, competitive
energy, respect for authority and personal responsibility. In order for players to compete at a competitive level, players must continue to devote quality time towards understanding the fullness of the game.

All players should be able to dribble, pass, shoot, rebound, play defense, set screens, run the floor, hustle, develop good practice habits, learn to compete, learn to play as a team, learn to respect the coach and how he/she wants to play, respect the rules, respect the differences of their teammates and last be an ambassador for the game.

The best time to invest in a player’s future is when he/she is young. The bible says, “Train a child in the way he/she should go and when he/she is older he/she won’t depart from their teaching” Prov. 2:6.

Throughout my 21 years of experience, serving kids, families and communities, I continue to see kids with gifts and talents that are under developed. It’s almost like growing up with a false since of identity. I believe that we owe it to the kids as well as to the Lord to make sure that they are fully educated and equip with what they need without compromising their future.

When players are fully educated and learn to play the game, they tend to feel better about themselves, they do better in school, interact better with parents, teachers, coaches, communicate better, smile more often, attract better friends and are more self confident.

Success in the game of basketball involves a tremendous amount of teaching and learning. As coaches we must continue to provide young players with the available resources that will undoubtedly foster their learning needs and help them grow. Without the necessary tools for learning, kids fail.

In closing, as children become more interested in playing basketball, let’s give them the best opportunity for success that we can as coaches, teachers, role models and Christians. Let’s get them educated and trained while their young and interested. And as theyget older, let’s encourage them to seek advanced training so that they too can someday develop to their fullest potential.

Please partner with me as an advocate for kids Success in the classroom and in sports. And remember that success in life involves being fully trained.

Deon Hunter

Servant to God